Empire Stores is a restored group of brick warehouses on Water Street in Brooklyn’s DUMBO. Built to store goods arriving by ship, the complex now brings together shops, restaurants, offices and event spaces. Stop for a meal at Time Out Market, then head to the public rooftop for views of the East River, Manhattan and the bridges. Inside, the old industrial character remains part of the experience, alongside contemporary spaces and rotating art installations. Weekdays or quieter hours make it easier to explore at your own pace.
A waterfront warehouse complex
Empire Stores began as seven brick warehouses built in two phases. The western buildings date to 1870 and were designed by Manhattan firm Nesmith & Sons. The eastern section followed in 1885, with Thomas Stone as its architect. The complex was built for Arbuckle Bros., a coffee industry pioneer, and stored goods brought into Brooklyn by ship.
Coffee beans were among the raw materials kept here, alongside animal hides, raw sugar and molasses. The warehouses formed part of a working waterfront where goods from Africa, Cuba and South America arrived by sea. Their brick facades and rows of windows remain defining features of the buildings.
The warehouses were later abandoned for many years. After unsuccessful restoration efforts, the complex reopened in 2017 with a new mix of cultural, commercial and food spaces. Its current uses include restaurants, retail, offices and event venues.
Inside Empire Stores
The restored interiors pair the buildings’ industrial character with newer design. You can walk through the complex to see the brick structure and the way the former warehouses have been adapted for public use. Shops and food venues sit within the larger development, including West Elm and Time Out Market.
Time Out Market gathers a range of food choices under one roof. It suits groups who want to pick different things to eat, and the dining area has views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the river. The rooftop also has restaurants, with city views as part of the setting.
Art installations and pop-up events add another reason to look around beyond the shops and dining spaces. Programming can change, so check what is on during your visit if an exhibition is part of your plan.
The public rooftop
The rooftop is open to the public and gives you another vantage point over the waterfront, the bridges and the Manhattan skyline. The DUMBO sign is at ground level, while the rooftop offers a higher view across the surrounding area. An outdoor cafe has operated on part of the roof in summer; availability can depend on the season.
The rooftop is a shared public space, so it may not be quiet or private. If you are visiting for the view, you can pair it with a walk through the warehouse interiors or a meal at the market. Weekdays and less busy periods are the better choice when you want more room to explore.
Häufige Fragen
Is the Empire Stores rooftop open to the public?
Yes. The rooftop is open to the public and has views of the bridges, the East River and Manhattan.
What is inside Empire Stores?
The restored warehouses contain shops, restaurants, offices and event spaces. Time Out Market is one of the food venues.
What were Empire Stores used for originally?
The complex was built as warehouses for Arbuckle Bros. It stored coffee beans and other raw materials brought in by ship.
